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Avian influenza (bird flu): Latest situation
In November 2008 the UK became officially free from avian influenza (AI), according to the rules laid down by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). This will greatly assist negotiations by Defra and industry partners to regain access to third country markets.
Trade with other EU countries resumed on 8 July 2008, under separate EU rules on AI.
It is vital that all bird keepers in the UK continue to practice the highest levels of biosecurity and be vigilant for any signs of disease. If you are concerned about the health of your birds you should seek advice from your veterinary surgeon. If you suspect that your birds have avian influenza, you should report it to your local Animal Health Office immediately.
16 October 2009
A preliminary outbreak assessment (PDF) has been published regarding an outbreak of highly pathogenic AI of H7 type in poultry in Spain. As the autumn migration season has now started, poultry keepers should continue to maintain vigilance for any signs of clinical disease in their birds, promptly report suspected cases and maintain appropriate levels of biosecurity.
17 September 2009
Following a preliminary outbreak assessment (PDF) in June 2009, Defra continues to monitor further developments regarding outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic AI in south-east Asia and southern Siberia. An up-to-date map (PDF) of outbreaks in the area is available here.
21 August 2009
A preliminary outbreak assessment (PDF) has been published regarding two pandemic (H1N1) 2009 outbreaks in commercial breeding turkeys in Chile that have been reported to OIE. Defra’s assessment is that there is a negligible risk of the introduction of the virus into the UK poultry population from Chile through the legal import of live poultry or poultry meat.
News archive...
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Ker current information
- Biosecurity
- Bringing birds indoors
- Bird fairs, markets, shows and other gatherings.
- Access to land
- Vaccination
- Game shooting
- Contingency Plan for Exotic Animal Diseases
Guidance
- For food safety advice please see the Food Standards Agency website.
- Key guidance relating to farmed, pet or otherwise kept birds including:
- Bird disposal: Guidance on the disposal of poultry and dead garden and wild birds.
- Defra factsheet - Information on clinical signs, transmission and disease control.
Page last modified: 4 November, 2009